Yobe Seeks COREN Partnership to Establish World-Class Biomedical Engineering Centre

From Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

The Yobe State Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology (YIBET) Establishment Steering Committee, has sought partnership and regulatory support of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to establish a world-class centre of excellence in Biomedical and Clinical Engineering Technology.

The Chairman of the steering Committee, Prof. Mohammed Bello Kawuwa, and the committee’s Technical Consultant, Dr. Abdulkareem Karasuwa, made the call when they led a delegation on a courtesy visit to COREN in Abuja.

The visit was aimed at presenting the vision of the Yobe State Government, under Governor Mai Mala Buni, to establish a specialised institute that would provide high-quality, technology-driven training in biomedical and clinical engineering.

Speaking during the visit, Prof. Kawuwa said the proposed institute was designed to address the shortage of skilled biomedical engineers, technologists and technicians in Yobe State and Nigeria.

He said YIBET would also serve as a centre for research, innovation and development, including the local production of medical and clinical devices, equipment, tools, software and other technology solutions for the healthcare sector.

Kawuwa stressed that collaboration with relevant regulatory and professional bodies, particularly COREN, was essential in ensuring that the institute meets required regulatory standards and achieves its objective of becoming a centre of excellence.

The Technical Consultant, Dr. Karasuwa, said partnership with COREN would help YIBET develop a distinctive and future-targeted curriculum capable of responding to the rapidly evolving technological demands of the healthcare sector.

Responding, the President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar Shuaibu, accompanied by the Registrar, Prof. Uche, and other senior officials, welcomed the delegation and commended Governor Buni for the initiative.

Shuaibu said the proposed institute was timely, particularly in view of the increasing investment in hospital infrastructure and medical equipment, noting that competent biomedical engineering professionals were essential for the effective management, maintenance and utilisation of such equipment.

He added that YIBET has the potential to create employment opportunities, promote innovation and local manufacturing, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

The COREN President assured the delegation of the Council’s support and disclosed that COREN would designate a member of staff to work directly with the YIBET Establishment Steering Committee by providing technical and regulatory guidance to facilitate the establishment process.

He commended the proposed autonomous structure of YIBET and advised the committee to consider the immediate appointment of an Acting Director-General to provide a focal point for engagement with statutory, regulatory and professional bodies during the establishment phase.